Unit 4 Challenges and Issues in Ageing Process: Structure

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UNIT 4 CHALLENGES AND ISSUES IN

AGEING PROCESS
Structure
4.0 Introduction
4.1 Objectives
4.2 Ageing Process
4.2.1 Ageing Process in Women
4.2.2 Ageing Process in Men
4.3 Ageing Issues and Challenges in Early Adulthood
4.4 Ageing Issues and Challenges in Middle Adulthood
4.5 Ageing Issues and Challenges in Late Adulthood
4.6 Let Us Sum Up
4.7 Unit End Questions
4.8 Suggested Readings
4.9 Answer to the Self Check Questions

4.0 INTRODUCTION
As we age, our bodies change in many ways that affect the function of both individual
cells and organ systems. These changes occur little by little and progress inevitably over
time. However, the rate of this progression can vary differently for different persons.
The ageing process brings with it many challenges, as for instance not being physically
as strong as in the earlier years, facing different types of responsibilities , crisis and
conflicts. For tackling these challenges one must have varying coping abilities which
itself is a challenge. In this unit we will be dealing with the type of challenges one faces
as one grows old and the varying coping strategies that they need to have to overcome
the same.

4.1 OBJECTIVES
After going through this unit, you will be able to:
z define and describe the ageing process in men and women;
z explain the ageing issues and challenges in early adulthood;
z analyse the ageing issues and challenges in middle adulthood; and
z explain the ageing issues and challenges in late adulthood.

4.2 AGEING PROCESS


Ageing or ageing is a process that accumulates changes in organisms or objects over
time. Human ageing process involves multidimensional changes on physical, psychological,
cultural and social levels.
As soon as an individual is born, their body begins to age. This process continues
throughout our life. Ageing is not simply about old age. It is the lifelong process by
50 which we define the social, mental, and biological stages in our lives.
A newborn baby is developing new cells and shedding dead cells daily. The “peach Challenges and Issues in
Ageing Process
fuzz” hair is replaced with new hair that is stronger and more colored. The skin begins
to adapt to the “out-of-umbilical-fluid” environment.
Bodies continue to grow in the toddler years into puberty and adolescence. Constant
changes take place in the body until the height, determined by genetics, is reached.
Then the body starts to spread a little here and there, taking a new shape of body style
in the adult years.
Changes in our body are sometimes described as deterioration, such as gray hair,
wrinkles, loss of hearing, the need for bifocals. These are just normal changes as the
body progresses. A person over the age of 50 can still be vital and healthy. Hardening
of the arteries, bone density loss, and slowing metabolism are more signs of the normal
ageing process.
Ageing retardation could stretch out our entire life cycle like a rubber band, extending
the time we spend in infancy, childhood, adolescence, prime, and senior years. Yet
there is always the risk of a serious rift between the maturity of the body/mind and the
expectations and requirements of life.
The ageing process in humans is a complex biochemical process which includes all the
changes taking place socially, psychologically and physically. The process of ageing in
the human body is inevitable and there are many signs of ageing occurring both within
and outside the human body. Ageing, also known as senescence, is a process that
every human being goes through, but the ageing process in women slightly differs from
the ageing process in men. As we age, there are a number of changes taking place in the
various systems of the human body, which may, at times cause age-related problems
and disorders.
The intensity of problems and challenges depends on a combination of both genetic and
environmental factors. Again recognising that every individual has his or her own unique
genetic makeup and environment, which interact with each other, helps us understand
why the ageing process can occur at such different rates in different people. Overall,
genetic factors seem to be more powerful than environmental factors in determining the
large differences among people in ageing and lifespan.
Ageing or ageing is a process that accumulates changes in organisms or objects over
time. Human ageing process involves multidimensional changes on physical, psychological,
cultural and social levels.
Heredity, diet, exercise, social involvement, and spirituality all play a large part in your
physical wellbeing. Eating right and exercising will keep your body healthier and may
stave off some of the effects of ageing, or at least slow the ageing process.
Women are naturally obsessed with their looks and their world revolves around their
looks and looks only. Ageing is an inevitable natural process and there is no treatment
for ageing process. Although, it is true that women face much different challenges than
men in ageing process, the key to fight ageing process in women, solely depends upon
her perspective about life. If she decides to age gracefully, nothing can deter her from
leading a beautiful life.
Ageing, from the male perspective, is frequently associated with loss of physical and
mental function and vitality. The implied stigma that comes with ageing often prevents
men from dealing with important health issues associated with the process.
During middle adulthood, the two primary long-term relationships characteristic are 51
Adulthood and Ageing cohabitation and marriage. Cohabitors are unmarried people living together in a sexual
relationship, often state their reason for cohabiting as either a trial for marriage or an
alternative to marriage.
Middle adulthood refers to the people who are experiencing changes and development
in their central lives. It is basically about the midlife transition or the period of life beyond
young adulthood but before the commencement of old age.
Elder care can be thought of as an umbrella of care and services for the frail elderly.
These include a broad range of services including: meals and socialisation, personal
care, light housekeeping, residential facilities, and adult day care.
The process of ageing in the human body starts at middle age around 45. The process
and its effects depend on both, the genetic as well as environmental factors and hence,
some of the aspects of the ageing process may differ from person to person. To
understand the human ageing process better, let us try and understand the cellular changes
that occur along with the ageing process.
Ageing causes some amount of reduction in the rate of human cell multiplication (cellular
senescence) and also causes some of the cells to function inappropriately. It also
interferes with the growth and development of the body tissues which leads to the
development of various immune system related disorders.
Heredity, diet, exercise, social involvement, and spirituality all play a large part in your
physical wellbeing. Eating right and exercising will keep one’s body healthier and may
stave off some of the effects of ageing, or at least slow the ageing process.

4.2.1 Ageing Process in Women


Women are considerably concerned with their looks and their world revolves around
their looks and looks only. It’s as though physical appearance is the only thing that
matters to them in the world. Obviously, when the first few physical signs of ageing start
showing up, their world is shattered into bits. Besides, being the more sensitive gender,
the emotional and psychological changes that accompany ageing are difficult to cope.
Ageing brings about changes on the physical, psychological and social front of a
woman’s life.
Physical Challenges
Menopause is the word that immediately comes to one’s mind when we say ageing
process in women. The woman’s life is divided into two phases premenopausal and
postmenopausal. The hormonal changes in the body cause many ageing problems. The
body starts losing out on bone mass and muscle strength. These weakened bones often
result in osteoporosis and arthritis, which accompany the woman throughout the rest of
her life. The skin becomes sunken and sallow and eventually, wrinkles begin to appear.
The immune system is no longer able to produce sufficient anti bodies, thereby making
the body susceptible to various illnesses. Most vital organs show diminished performance,
which affects the entire health of the woman.
Psychological Challenges
These are to an extent related to physical status of the individual. Menopause is the
buzz word here. The hormonal changes during menopause bring about plethora of
behavioural changes in a woman. The very fact that they are no longer fertile, is enough
to send many women into depression. Emotional insecurity haunts their mind due to the
fear that since she is no longer physically attractive, her spouse may not love her. She
52
may become extremely moody and irritated as she may not be able to cope with the
many changes that happen all at once in her life. Lastly, there is this daunting feeling of Challenges and Issues in
Ageing Process
ageing that she somehow relates with the ‘end’. However, some optimistic women may
take this as an opportunity to fulfill their unaccomplished dreams and lead a life the way
they always wanted to.
Social Challenges
During ageing process in women, their social life entirely depends upon their own attitude
towards life and most importantly their health. Some women, due to their poor health
or some other reason, may completely shut themselves away from the world. While the
other, more outgoing group, may engage themselves in community activities or some
hobbies and interests. Most women in this age group are financially settled and have a
family that is no longer dependent upon them. Thus, this period poses a golden chance
for them to live the life for themselves.
Ageing is an inevitable natural process and there is no treatment for ageing process.
Although, it is true that women face much different challenges than men in ageing process,
the key to fight ageing process in women, solely depends upon her perspective about
life. If she decides to age gracefully, nothing can deter her from leading a beautiful life.

4.2.2 Ageing Process in Men


Ageing, from the male perspective, is frequently associated with loss of physical and
mental function and vitality. The implied stigma that comes with ageing often prevents
men from dealing with important health issues associated with the process. Ageing
process in men has always been related with the decrease of mental and physical
functions. The ageing process in men brings physiological changes in the body. Men, in
their middle age, do bulge around the middle due to accumulation of a lot of unburned
fat and lack of exercises. Ageing process in men does not treat all the men in the same
way. The day you notice a grey hair, standing out among the rest of your black hair, you
may observe your boss, who is senior in age to you, darting from one place to another,
as if he is a 16 year old kid. This may make you wonder, how this chap is manageing to
stay so fit, at his age.
Whole health
When the ageing process starts, a whole foods diet high in fiber, low in saturated fat,
and rich in nutrients is the best health-promoting approach. Eating fresh vegetables and
fruits rich in antioxidant nutrients and fiber helps reduce the risk factors for cancer.
Consistent moderate exercise promotes cardiovascular health as well as reduces the
risk factors for obesity, diabetes, and osteoporosis. Together with an approach to stress
management, diet and exercise form the foundation of an overall health plan.
Mental health
Mental health is an important concern for many men, as Alzheimer’s Disease and
Dementia which are common to occur during this age may afflict the individual.
Maintaining mental health and function as we age is a growing concern. Herbal extracts
like ginkgo biloba and nutrients like phosphatidyl serine and DHA (docosahexaenoic
acid), a component of fish oil can greatly assist in promoting mental health and function.
Standardized ginkgo extracts help increase circulation to the brain and extremities, act
as an antioxidant in the brain and retina, and protect nerve cells through a reduction in
platelet aggregation. By promoting blood flow to the brain and reducing potential damage
to nerve cells, ginkgo supports cognitive function and can help stave off diseases such
as Alzheimer’s Disease and Senile Dementia. 53
Adulthood and Ageing Heart health
The most obvious concern for men as they age is heart health and disease. Cardiovascular
disease is still among the most common causes of death among men. Diet and lifestyle
play a significant role in the progression of cardiovascular disease and are also central
to its treatment. Natural medicines can also play a key role in helping to reduce the risk
and complications of heart disease.
High fiber foods and a reduced intake of meats high in fat combined with a program of
daily exercise and stress reduction techniques have shown very positive results in even
the worst heart disease.
Prostate health
Prostate health is a consideration for men once they reach the age of 40. Over the age
of 40, it is estimated that 60 percent of men will have an enlarged prostate (also known
as BPH, benign prostatic hyperplasia). As men age, the likelihood that they will develop
BPH increases. Although the initial symptoms of prostate enlargement may be considered
minimal, and only slightly bothersome, proactive care can greatly reduce the risk for
more serious complications.
Standardized extracts of herbs like saw palmetto, nettle, and pygeum are frequently
recommended along with pollen extracts. Natural therapies like pollen extracts and
saw palmetto can also help reduce the effects of testosterone breakdown products on
prostate cells. High levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) have been associated with
prostate cancer.
Skeletal health
Joint and bone health issues are also common problems for men in which past sports
injuries and wear and tear can lead to osteoarthritis. As one ages, our connective tissue
is not able to repair itself as efficiently as when we were younger. Additional nutrition is
often necessary to promote cartilage healing and prevent further breakdown of joint
tissue associated with osteoarthritis.
Although many men do not think about osteoporosis, it, too, is a major concern for
men as they age. Although women have bone health risks related to changes in hormone
levels, as many as one-sixth of all men will fracture a hip during their lifetime.
The ageing process is a natural one. Ageing, however, does not have to mean loss of
function or vitality. In fact, healthful eating habits in combination with focused nutrients
and herbs can combine to make the 40-plus years the best of any man’s life.
Self Assessment Questions
1) Discuss the ageing process in females.
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2) What are the important factors associated with ageing in males?
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54
Challenges and Issues in
..................................................................................................................... Ageing Process

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3) What are the typical health issues associated with ageing ?
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4.3 AGEING ISSUES AND CHALLENGES IN


EARLY ADULTHOOD
Early adulthood is the stage of our life between the ages of about 20-40 years old, who
are typically vibrant, active and healthy, and are focused on friendship, romance, child
bearing and careers. It is the first stage of adulthood in which the body physically
changes and is one of the hardest times in our lives after teenage years.
Neither intimacy nor individual development can exist alone. The birth of a child initiates
a human being into a life-long process of mutual adaptation between the child, his or her
intimate relationship partners and the broader social environment. Intimate interactions
and relationships affect adaptations to the changing needs and stresses that evolve with
each stage of development throughout one’s lifetime. Intimate interactions from early
life serve as the basis upon which relationships later in life are formed. Environmental
contingencies to which individuals must adapt are rooted in these relationships. In an
attempt to adapt to other people’s styles of relating, one must adjust his or her own
behaviours.
Maturity
Children entering adolescence must begin to adapt to the adult world and its institutions
while coming to terms with emerging parts of themselves. They discover themselves as
having new emotional and sexual needs. As they make these discoveries, adolescents
begin to realise the limitations of their parents. Taking responsibility for aspects of their
own character requires distancing from authoritative.
Friendships
Over the course of social development, the role of friends and parents changes
significantly. As an adolescent undergoes physical and emotional changes, he or she
seeks out relationships that enhance efforts to adapt to new needs and stresses.
Adolescents seek to share their thoughts and feelings with those who are experiencing
similar changes. Intimate interactions increase between friends during this stage in life
because they provide teens with opportunities for self-clarification. Through the formation
of co-constructive dialogues between friends, teens can participate together in exploring
and constructing selves.
Multiple Selves
During late adolescence, one must first confront the problem of multiple selves. For the
first time, an adolescent realises that his or her personality changes from one situation to 55
Adulthood and Ageing the next. This is the stage of life during which one looks to craft a narrative of the self
that provides a sense of sameness and continuity. The importance of intimate friendship
and romance formed during early adulthood stems from the valuable and adaptive
contribution dialogues made with friends during adolescence. Personality differences
can be identified by capacities to form intimate relationships characterised by
commitment, depth, and partner individuation based on interactions of early life.
Self Assessment Questions
1) Fill in the blanks:
i) Human ageing process involves __________________ changes on physical,
psychological, cultural and social levels.
ii) Eating fresh vegetables and fruits rich in ____________ nutrients helps
reduce the risk factors for cancer.
iii) High levels of ___________________ have been associated with prostate
cancer.
iv) Neither __________________ __________________ nor individual
development can exist alone.
v) Joint and bone health issues can lead to ________________________.
2) Answer the following statements with True or False:
i) Ageing process continues throughout our life.
ii) Eating right and exercise can keep the ageing process slow.
iii) The hormonal changes in the body is not concerned with ageing problems.
iv) Prostate health is a consideration for women once they reach the age of 40.
v) The ageing process is a natural one.
3) What are the ageing issues and challenges in early adulthood?
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4.4 AGEING ISSUES AND CHALLENGES IN


MIDDLE ADULTHOOD
Middle adulthood refers to the people whom are experiencing changes and development
in their central lives. It is basically about the midlife transition or the period of life beyond
young adulthood but before the commencement of old age.
Physical Appearance
The changes in physical appearance are some of the most notable parts for many people
as they experience middle adulthood physical development. Hair begins turning gray or
white as teeth fade from white to yellow. More wrinkles appear, especially on the face,
56 and skin begins to sag.
Hearing and Vision Challenges and Issues in
Ageing Process
The ability to hear high-pitched noises disappears during middle adulthood as most
people begin recognising hearing loss around 40. Men experience twice as much hearing
loss as women during this life stage. Vision also decreases for both sexes as their ability
to focus declines, and they need brighter lights to see.
Health
This stage of development generally refers to the diseases experienced by the individuals
and the diseases are few infectious yet more chronic. Heart diseases and cancer are the
two most common sicknesses for people in midlife period. The experience of health
decline is different for men and women. Men are more prone to heart disease, cancer
and stroke especially on the incidence that men had experience or are experiencing
divorce. For women, non-fatal illnesses like goiter, gout or arthritis and lung and breast
cancer. Though death is fewer for females than in males, diabetic cases are inclined on
the female’s part more than the males. The gain or lost in this domain generally depends
on how people take care of themselves while they are still young and capable to do so.
Strength and Coordination
As adults pass through middle adulthood their strength begins to diminish as some of
their muscle is replaced with fat. Flexibility also decreases, and the reaction time of
individuals in middle adulthood decreases as well.
Sexuality
The start of middle adulthood often signifies the end of a woman’s ability to bear children.
They proceed to go through menopause during this middle-age stage in their life. Men
still possess the ability to reproduce although their fertility decreases in middle adulthood
as they age.
Disease
Diabetes, heart disease and cancer are just a few of the common diseases discovered
during middle adulthood. While chances are these diseases have been building up in an
individual throughout their life, the discovery and treatment of them often occurs when
people are in middle age.
Relationships during Middle Adulthood
During middle adulthood, the two primary long-term relationships characteristic are
cohabitation and marriage. Cohabitors are unmarried people living together in a sexual
relationship, often state their reason for cohabiting as either a trial for marriage or an
alternative to marriage.
By middle age, most of the adults are married. Marital satisfaction is often described in
terms of a U-curve: People generally affirm that their marriages are happiest during the
early years, but not as happy during the middle years. Marital satisfaction then increases
again in the later years, once finances have stabilised and parenting responsibilities have
ended.
Divorce
Middle adults are not immune to problems in relationships. The reasons for dissolving a
relationship are many and varied, just as relationships themselves differ in their make-
up and dynamics. In some cases, the couple cannot handle an extended crisis. In other
cases, the spouses change and grow in different directions. In still others, the spouses 57
Adulthood and Ageing are completely incompatible from the very start. However, long-term relationships rarely
end because of difficulties with just one of the partners. Both parties are usually responsible
for the factors that may lead to a relationship’s end, such as conflicts, problems, growing
out of love, or empty-nest issues that arise after the last child leaves his or her parent’s
home.
Love changes over time, and such changes may become evident by middle adulthood.
The ideal form of love in adulthood involves three components: passion, intimacy, and
commitment—termed consummate love, or complete love. This variety of love is
unselfish, devoted, and is most often associated with romantic relationships. Getting
started is easy; sticking to it is much harder.
For many middle-aged couples, passion fades as intimacy and commitment build. In
other words, many middle adults find themselves in a marriage typified by companionate
love, which is both committed and intimate, but not passionate. Yet a relationship that
has lost its sexual nature need not remain this way, nor do such changes necessitate the
end of a long-term relationship. In fact, many middle adult couples find effective ways
of improving their ability to communicate, increasing emotional intimacy, rekindling the
fires of passion, and growing together. The understanding that evolves between two
people over time can be striking.
Relationships that last
Long-term relationships share several factors, including both partners regarding the
relationship as a long-term commitment; both verbally and physically expressing
appreciation, admiration, and love; both offering emotional support to each other; and
both considering the other as a best friend.
Essential to preserving a quality relationship is the couple’s decision to practice effective
communication. Communication is the means by which intimacy is established and
nurtured within a relationship; it helps partners better relate to and understand each
other. Communication helps them feel close, connected, and loved.
Friends
Friends offer support, direction, guidance, and a change of pace from usual routines.
During this period, life responsibilities are at an all-time high, so having extra time for
socialising is usually rare. For this reason, middle adults may have less friends than their
newlywed and retired counterparts. Yet where quantity of friendships may be lacking,
quality predominates. Some of the closest ties between friends are formed and nourished
during middle adulthood.
Children
As adults wait later to marry and start families, more and more middle adults find
themselves rearing small children. Middle adults and their adolescent children are both
prone to emotional crises, which may occur at the same time. For adolescents, the
crisis involves the search for identity; for middle adults, the search is for generativity.
These two crises are not always compatible, as parents try to deal with their own issues
as well as those of their adolescents.
Parents respond to their children’s adolescence in different ways. Some middle adults
attempt to live out their own youthful fantasies—sexual and otherwise—through their
children. They may try to make their teenage children into improved versions of
themselves. For example, some parents may force their teenagers to take music lessons
58 or make them join a sports team, while other parents may insist that their children
attend a certain college or enter the family business.
Witnessing their children on the verge of becoming adults can also trigger a midlife crisis Challenges and Issues in
Ageing Process
for some middle adults. The adolescent journey into young adulthood is a reminder to
middle-aged parents of their own ageing processes and inescapable settling into middle
and later adulthood.
Middle-aged parents typically maintain close relationships with their grown up children
who have left home. Many parents report feeling as if they continue to give more than
receive from relationships with their children, including helping with their finances or
watching their pets when they are out of town. Still, most middle adults and their grown
children tend to value their time together, even as their respective roles continue to
change.
Parents
Most middle adults characterise the relationship with their parents as affectionate. Indeed,
a strong bond is often present between related middle and older adults. Although the
majority of middle adults do not live with their parents, contacts are usually frequent
and positive. And perhaps for the first time, middle adults are able to see their parents
as the fallible human beings that they are.
One issue facing middle adults is that of caring for their ageing parents. In some cases,
adults, who expected to spend their middle-age years traveling and enjoying their own
children and grandchildren, instead find themselves taking care of their ailing parents.
Some parents are completely independent of their adult children’s support, while others
are partially independent of their children; and still others are completely dependent.
Children of dependent parents may assist them financially (paying their bills), physically
(bringing them into their homes and caring for them), and emotionally (as a source of
human contact as the parents’ social circle diminishes). Daughters and daughters-in-
law are the most common caretakers of ageing parents and in-laws.
Even though the death of a parent is never welcome, some long-term adult caretakers
express ambivalent feelings about the event. The grown children of parents dying of a
lingering illness, for example, usually do not want to see their loved ones suffer—even
if alleviation means death. These children may find themselves hoping simultaneously
for a cure and for a peaceful release from the pain that their parent is experiencing.

4.5 AGEING ISSUES AND CHALLENGES IN LATE


ADULTHOOD
Elder care can be thought of as an umbrella of care and services for the frail elderly.
These include a broad range of services including: meals and socialisation, personal
care, light housekeeping, residential facilities, and adult day care.
There are few physical differences among a group of first graders. But if you check out
the same group 65 years later, their physical differences outnumber their similarities.
Some will be the epitome of health, while others will be manageing one or more chronic
conditions. Some will be vigorous, while others will be lethargic.
As we get older, we become physically less like our peers. That’s because we are the
sum of our life experiences. At age six, not too much has happened to our bodies to
make us radically different from our peers. But by middle and old age, we’ve had
decades to develop and maintain habits that have an impact on our health, both negatively
and positively.
59
Adulthood and Ageing Ageing may be inevitable, but the rate of ageing is not. Why and how our bodies age is
still largely a mystery, although we are learning more and more each year. Scientists do
maintain, however, that chronological age has little bearing on biological age. The number
of candles on your birthday cake merely serves as a marker of time; it says little about
your health.
The human body goes through a variety of changes as it gets older. In general, muscles,
blood vessels and other tissues lose their elasticity. The heart becomes less efficient,
bones become weaker and the metabolism slows down.
In spite of the changes to the rest of the body, a lot of people focus primarily on changes
to their appearance as they age. These include:
Wrinkles
Fibers in the skin called collagen and elastin break down and lose strength as a person
gets older. Sun exposure throughout life contributes to this process. Without these fibers,
the skin cannot hold its shape as well. Older skin retains less fat, making it look less
supple. The pull of gravity also causes the skin to sag.
Dry skin
Older people produce less sweat and oil, causing their skin to be drier. Excessively dry
skin can emphasise the appearance of wrinkles.
Age spots
Dark spots on the skin, particularly the arms, hands, face and feet, stem from cumulative
exposure to the sun. Most people call these marks liver spots, but they are unrelated to
liver function. They actually stem from overproduction of the pigment melanin in areas
of the skin that have experienced the most exposure to the sun.
Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome
It is seen that most of the adults aged 60 and older are overweight or obese. Obesity is
related to type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, breast and colon cancer, gall bladder
disease, and high blood pressure.
Women in perimenopause and menopause tend to accumulate fat around the waist and
hips, and men get the gut. The food intake should be in check by reducing calorie intake
and alcohol intake because a lot of alcohol calories go right to the gut. Also, increase in
healthy fat intake such as omega-3 fatty acids and unsaturated fats, and eliminate trans
fats completely. Foods sweetened with high-fructose corn syrup should be avoided.
The common sweetener is found in everything from sodas to breakfast cereal to low-
fat yogurt.
Arthritis
Arthritis affects nearly half the elderly population and is a leading cause of disability.
The keys to prevention is to avoid overuse, do steady, regular exercise rather than in
weekend spurts, and stop if you feel pain.
Manageing one’s weight is just as essential for joint health as cardiovascular health.
Osteoporosis and Falls
Osteoporosis and low bone mass affect most of the adults age 50 and older, most of
them are women. According to the National Osteoporosis Association, osteoporosis is
60 not part of normal ageing. Healthy behaviours and treatment, when appropriate, can
prevent or minimize the condition. Weight-bearing exercise also helps to keep bones Challenges and Issues in
Ageing Process
healthy.
Cancer
Risk for developing most types of cancer increases with age. As women age, the rate of
cervical cancer decreases, and endometrial cancer increases. The risk of prostate cancer
increases with age, and black men have a higher rate than white men. Screening should
start in your 40s, and at the very least should involve a digital rectal examination.
Lung cancer accounts for more deaths than breast cancer, prostate cancer, and colon
cancer combined.
Vision and Hearing Loss
Age-related eye diseases such as macular degeneration, cataract, diabetic retinopathy,
and glaucoma affects people aged 40 and older. Eating foods with high antioxidant
content may be helpful in reducing vision loss due to macular degeneration. Regular eye
exams should include screening for glaucoma, which is called “the sneak thief of sight”
for the fact that the first symptom is vision loss. The disease can be arrested, but vision
lost to glaucoma cannot be restored.
The incidence of hearing loss increases with age. Hearing loss takes a toll on the quality
of life and can lead to depression and withdrawal from social activities. Although hearing
aids can help, only one out of four people use them.
High-frequency hearing loss is common in old age and made worse by a lifestyle that
includes exposure to loud sounds.
Mental Health: Memory and Emotional Well-being
Staying mentally active is as important as staying physically active. One of the perplexing
problems of ageing is Alzheimer’s disease. Depression is often underdiagnosed and
untreated. Many people mistakenly believe that depression is a natural condition of old
age. One of the biggest life changes is retirement. Many people have their sense of
worth tied up with work. In retirement, depression and suicide rates rise.
Self Assessment Questions
3) Fill in the blanks:
i) Diabetes, ___________________ and cancer are common diseases
discovered during middle adulthood.
ii) _____________________ is often described in terms of a U-curve.
iii) Passion fades as intimacy and _____________________ build.
iv) Older skin retains _____________ fat.
v) In retirement, depression and ____________ rates rise.
4) Answer the following statements with True or False:
i) Men experience twice as much hearing loss as women during middle life
stage.
ii) Women are more prone to heart disease, cancer and stroke.

61
Adulthood and Ageing
iii) Long term relationship requires long term commitment.
iv) Daughters and daughters-in-law are the most common caretakers of ageing
parents and in-laws.
v) Older people produce more of sweat and oil.

4.6 LET US SUM UP


The ageing process depends on a combination of both genetic and environmental factors.
Recognising that every individual has his or her own unique genetic makeup and
environment, which interact with each other, helps us understand why the ageing process
can occur at such different rates in different people. Overall, genetic factors seem to be
more powerful than environmental factors in determining the large differences among
people in ageing and lifespan.
Ageing or ageing is a process that accumulates changes in organisms or objects over
time. Human ageing process involves multidimensional changes on physical, psychological,
cultural and social levels.
Women are naturally obsessed with their looks and their world revolves around their
looks and looks only. Ageing is an inevitable natural process and there is no treatment
for ageing process. Although, it is true that women face much different challenges than
men in ageing process, the key to fight ageing process in women, solely depends upon
her perspective about life. If she decides to age gracefully, nothing can deter her from
leading a beautiful life.
Menopause is the word that immediately comes to the mind when we say ageing process
in women. The woman’s life is divided into two phases premenopausal and
postmenopausal. The hormonal changes in the body invite many ageing problems. The
body starts losing out on bone mass and muscle strength.
During ageing process in women, their social life entirely depends upon their own attitude
towards life and most importantly their health. Some women, due to their poor health
or some other reason, may completely shut themselves away from the world.
Ageing, from the male perspective, is frequently associated with loss of physical and
mental function and vitality. The implied stigma that comes with ageing often prevents
men from dealing with important health issues associated with the process.
Prostate health is a consideration for men once they reach the age of 40. Over the age
of 40, it is estimated that 60 percent of men will have an enlarged prostate (also known
as BPH, benign prostatic hyperplasia).
Early adulthood is the stage of our life between the ages of about 20-40 years old, who
are typically vibrant, active and healthy, and are focused on friendship, romance, child
bearing and careers. Intimate interactions and relationships affect adaptations to the
changing needs and stresses that evolve with each stage of development throughout
one’s lifetime. Intimate interactions from early life serve as the basis upon which
relationships later in life are formed.
By middle age, most of the adults are married. Marital satisfaction is often described in
terms of a U-curve: People generally affirm that their marriages are happiest during the
early years, but not as happy during the middle years. Marital satisfaction then increases
again in the later years, once finances have stabilised and parenting responsibilities have
62 ended.
As we get older, we become physically less like our peers. That’s because we are the Challenges and Issues in
Ageing Process
sum of our life experiences. At age six, not too much has happened to our bodies to
make us radically different from our peers. But by middle and old age, we’ve had
decades to develop and maintain habits that have an impact on our health, both negatively
and positively.

4.7 UNIT END QUESTIONS


1) Discuss the ageing process in humans.
2) Ageing process in male and female – discuss the differences.
3) What are the ageing issues and challenges in early adulthood?
4) Discuss the various types of illness one can suffer in middle adulthood.
5) What are the issues and challenges in late adulthood?

4.8 SUGGESTED READINGS


Stuart-Hamilton, Ian (2006). The Psychology of Ageing: An Introduction. London:
Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Diane F. Gilmer; Aldwin, Carolyn M. (2003). Health, Illness, and Pptimal Ageing:
Biological and Psychosocial Perspectives. Thousand Oaks: Sage Publications

4.9 ANSWER TO THE SELF ASSESSMENT


QUESTIONS
1) i) Multidimensional
ii) Antioxidants
iii) Dihydrotestosterone
iv) Intimacy
v) Osteoarthritis
2) i) True
ii) True
iii) False
iv) False
v) True
3) i) Heart disease
ii) Marital satisfaction
iii) Commitment
iv) Less
v) Suicide
4) i) True
ii) False
iii) True
iv) True
v) False 63

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